AFCON 2027 qualifying: Ivory Coast overcome Gambia

12.11.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Ivory Coast

2

:

Gambia

1

Without entirely convincing, Hervé Renard’s Ivory Coast side claimed a 2-1 home win over Gambia on Thursday evening.

Thursday evening’s clash on matchday three of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers pitted Ivory Coast against Gambia. The two sides, both boasting perfect records, met in Bouaké. Hervé Renard’s team negotiated the test well, securing a precious 2-1 victory.

It took a bit of cleverness from Nicolas Pépé to break the deadlock early on. The Ivorian forward quickly took a free kick, setting up Malick Yalcouyé with a perfect pass for the opening goal (17th minute). After an excellent interception by Yan Diomandé, Elye Wahi doubled the lead soon afterwards, opening his international account (24th minute).

Gambia put Ivory Coast under pressure

Just when it seemed the match was already settled, Hervé Renard’s men conceded a goal to cut the deficit before half-time, as Musa Barrow burst forward (38th minute). The second half proved more difficult, and the Elephants, unable to put the game beyond reach, had a few anxious moments against the Scorpions, who pressed until the end.

Ahead of the return fixture, Ivory Coast move three points clear at the top, while Gambia see Ghana, who beat Somalia 2-0 earlier, close to within three points.

Read also: AFCON 2027 qualifying: Senegal make a successful return to Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor against Sudan

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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Ivory Coast

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations